5 Ways to Put Coveting To Rest

Coveting. Wickipedia defines it as desiring the unjust acquisition of your neighbor’s possessions. Here are five ways that we might begin to nip our coveting in the bud.

Rejoice

5. If you can’t find ways to express gratitude for life circumstances or the things you’ve been given, “rejoice in the Lord,” as the apostle Paul recommends (Philippians 4:4). There is plenty of good news to be had in the realization that, regardless of how dark or disappointing our lives have become, God in Jesus loves us, is intimately involved in our lives, and ultimately promises new, abundant life.

The other day I spoke with a woman whose multiple myeloma had returned with a vengeance. This time the cancer was in stage IV. At age 52, this woman was facing an untimely death with honesty about her hopes and fears and griefs, but she was also bubbling over with gratitude to God. For her family. For God’s provision of her every need. For how God was helping her use even her cancer to encourage others in their dark places.

This woman was grateful, when she could be coveting a longer life or better health. She had put her coveting to rest.